The protesters marched towards the office of Higher Education Minister with banners and slogans against the government’s handling of the university dispute. One banner said “Roji M. John, stop acting as an RSS agent” (SFI criticism of minister).
The organisation wanted all 16 suspended students to be allowed back to academic activities without having to make apologies or undertakings. The march is part of SFI’s ongoing campaign against disciplinary action.
Why Were 16 Students Suspended?
The dispute dates back to August 13, 2026 when SFI affiliated students had protested during a reconstituted Syndicate meeting at Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady.
University authorities said the protesters held a mock funeral for VC Ciza Thomas, manhandled her and damaged university property. The students and SFI have denied this account.
The student organisation said the demonstration was symbolic protest against problems in the university (broken departmental equipment, infrastructure issues, faculty shortage and administrative delays).
The university suspended 16 students involved in the incident. This disciplinary action became a major bone of contention between the student organisation and the administration of the university.
Conditional Relief Rejected by Suspended Students
On November 2 the university Syndicate reportedly decided to grant conditional withdrawal of suspension to 12 students. They would need to issue an unconditional apology and submit an undertaking that they will follow university disciplinary rules.
Four other students faced extended suspension.
But the students affected and SFI representatives refused to accept the conditions saying that an apology would be accepting allegations they dispute. The disagreement has led to further demonstrations and hunger strikes.
The matter has also gone to Kerala High Court where legal proceedings on whether suspended students are eligible to appear for semester examinations adds another layer of conflict.
#WATCH | Thiruvananthapuram, Keralam | Members of SFI march to the Higher Education Minister's office at the Secretariat, demanding the withdrawal of the suspension of 16 students of Kalady Sanskrit University. They are holding a banner which reads "Roji M. John, stop acting as an RSS agent."
— ANI (@ANI) November 12, 2026
Political Disagreement Over Campus Protests
The issue has become a political dispute between SFI, university administration and Kerala government.
SFI (affiliated to CPI(M)) has alleged that government is targeting student activism and not addressing concerns raised by students.
Higher Education Minister Roji M. John said legitimate campus protests were fine but violence and misconduct cannot be allowed. The government and university authorities defended disciplinary action as necessary to maintain institutional discipline.
The November 12 march is another SFI attempt to get the issue directly before the state government.
What Happens Next?
The demand for unconditional withdrawal of the suspensions is not settled. If students refuse to apologise and university continues with its disciplinary position (the dispute could continue through further protests and legal action).
The confrontation also raises questions about student rights, campus discipline and the relationship between university administrations and student organisations in Kerala.
For the suspended students, the immediate concern is about their academic futures and whether they will be able to continue without further disruption.
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